The Dutch project War in Court has unveiled the names of nearly 425,000 individuals suspected of being Nazi collaborators during World War II. The digital release, made public on 2 January 2025, follows the expiry of a law that had restricted access to these historical records. This marks the first step in a broader initiative to make one of the Netherlands’ largest war archives widely accessible.
An Extensive Wartime Record
The archive, officially known as the Central Archives of the Special Jurisdiction (CABR), is housed at the Dutch National Archives. It contains 32 million pages of documentation related to investigations into individuals accused of aiding the German occupiers during the 1940-1945 occupation. The archive is a monumental resource, spanning 3.8 kilometres of shelving, and includes files on over 425,000 people, most of whom were Dutch.
Approximately 20% of those listed ever appeared before a court, with many cases involving minor offences such as membership in the National Socialist Movement (NSB). Despite its size and significance, the archive was previously only accessible by physical request at the National Archives in The Hague.
Gradual Digital Access
The War in Court project, funded by €18 million from three Dutch ministries, aims to digitise and modernise the CABR, making it more accessible to researchers, historians, journalists, and descendants. Although initially intended to release both names and dossiers simultaneously, privacy concerns raised by the Dutch Data Protection Authority led to a partial rollout. For now, only the names of suspected collaborators are available online.
Scanned dossiers, which include records of suspects, victims, and witnesses, are being digitised and made searchable through innovative technology. By the end of the project in 2027, all 30 million pages will be accessible, with the first eight million pages scheduled for online release in early 2025.
Technological Innovation in Historical Access
The project leverages advanced transcription and classification technologies to handle the archive’s complex content. Loghi, an open-source software developed by the Huygens Institute and the National Archives, is being used to transcribe and digitise both typed and handwritten documents. This technology will make the archive’s records full-text searchable, a significant innovation for users navigating the diverse materials.
To enhance usability, the project includes features such as document classification, explanatory content about legal terminology, and explainer videos. The design and functionality of the online platform are being developed in consultation with users to ensure it is intuitive and accessible.
Balancing Privacy and Transparency
The release of the CABR raises questions about the balance between historical transparency and privacy. While the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) protects personal data, it does not apply to deceased individuals, who comprise the vast majority of those named in the archive.
The decision to delay the publication of dossiers reflects sensitivity to the ethical considerations surrounding this material. Interested parties, including descendants, historians, and journalists, can apply to consult the dossiers in person at the National Archives while the digitisation process continues.
A Resource for Generations to Come
The War in Court project underscores the importance of preserving and sharing historical records. By digitising the CABR, the initiative ensures that the archive will remain relevant and accessible to future generations. For descendants seeking to understand their family histories, researchers examining the complexities of collaboration, and the general public exploring wartime events, this resource offers unparalleled insights.
The CABR’s digitisation not only provides access to the stories of those accused of collaboration but also highlights the experiences of victims and witnesses, offering a comprehensive view of life under occupation. The project aligns with ongoing efforts to connect historical archives across institutions, enabling broader research opportunities.
A Step Forward in Historical Research
As the CABR becomes increasingly accessible, it will play a vital role in shaping the understanding of the Netherlands during World War II. The archive sheds light on the nuances of collaboration and resistance, challenging existing narratives and fostering a deeper engagement with the past.
The gradual digital release ensures that this critical historical resource will serve as a valuable tool for researchers, educators, and descendants alike, preserving its lessons for generations to come.
Image source: nationalww2museum.org
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